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Ashley MacIsaac

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 4, 1996)
• Original Release Date: June 4, 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: A&M
• ASIN: B000002G5C
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #125,606 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
I don't know what they keep thinking up in Nova Scotia. Maybe it's all the fish they eat, or the fact that they can go to jail and not collect $200, but they keep putting out odd music. Like Ashley MacIsaac, who desires to reinvent traditional Cape Breton fiddle playing as something for the '90s (which probably explains the kilt, DMs, and plaid shirt--a sort of ethnic Nigel Kennedy). It's a nice idea, but it's been done. In the '60s (Fairport Convention), '70s (Steeleye Span, East of Eden), and '80s (all the people who borrowed from those other bands). MacIsaac adds some in-your-face production and some damn good playing. What he doesn't add is anything particularly new. Yes, you can jig and reel to some of it, and enjoy the crunch of the guitars and drums. And the slow stuff, played more traditionally, is gorgeous. Thing is, where can he go from here? --Chris Nickson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Is NOT Your Father's Celtic Music!!!, June 25, 1999

By	[e-mail] - See all my reviews

It rocks!!! It probably belongs more at the X-Games that your local pub (actually they love it at my Irish pub).

The music ranges from a jazzy piano opening on 'Wing-Stock' to speed-Celtic on 'Devil in the Kitchen' (you'll know what I mean when you hear it).

I heard an MP3 of 'Wing-Stock' and it absolutely blew me away. I ordered the CD right away and was ecstatic about the rest of it. It is a must buy regardless if you are looking for alternative, rock or Celtic.

If you buy this and like it check out Brigid Boden too. She is another alternative Celtic artist. If you know of any other artists playing this type of alternative/rock with a Celtic twist, please let me know!

One note of caution: Ashley's other albums are nothing like this one. They are traditional Celtic Jigs and Reels. Don't get carried away and order his whole discography until you have sampled them.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stinkin awesome album!, June 4, 2001

By	"strangerjt" (Portland OR) - See all my reviews

Celtic music to bug your parents with. This is probably the most hard rockin celtic album I've heard yet. Punk guitar and celtic fiddle, what a combo. Not quite as traditional as "Fine thank you very much", which I didn't care for all that much. The fiddle playing is incredible, as well as the arrangements of songs. I tend to skip the softer songs and head straight for the rockers. If I want more traditional I listen to Patrick Street or something. But that's just me though. I thought "Sleepy Maggie"'s poppy vocals were kind of annoying. And "What an idiot", well that was kind of annoying, but funny too. You don't expect it, that's for sure. I love tracks 3,4,10,11, and 12. If you like high energy rock and fiddles check it out. It's definitely a must have in any celtic-rock collection. If you like this, other good Celtic rock bands are Wolfstone, Seven Nations and Brother.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ..., June 1, 2003

By	Meredith Bland (Halifax, NS Canada) - See all my reviews

...No, really, it HASN'T been done before, and there's NO real comparison to Steeleye Span or that particular form genre of folk-rock/whatever-the-[heck]-you=want-to-call-it. Ashley Mac's giving it the Nova Scotian, Cape Breton nineties trance treatment, which is NOTHING I remember from Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span. At very least, the [smartie] whose review they've chosen to post as the 'official' word on MacIsaac's artistry did give up a few points for his playing. Otherwise, it's a poor way to present what for the most part is really an original, (yes, ORIGINAL)contemporary twist put on traditional tunes.